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Beef Empanadas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews

These homemade Beef Empanadas feature a tender, flaky dough filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture seasoned with oregano, cumin, paprika, and jalapeños, topped with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, they make a delicious appetizer or snack served with fresh cilantro and sour cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 c. (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 c. (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 c. water

Filling

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 c. chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 c. chopped tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For Assembly and Serving

  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of water (egg wash)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture contains pea-sized butter pieces. Add the egg and 3/4 cup water, mixing with a wooden spoon until the dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to firm up.
  3. Make the filling: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes, then drain excess fat.
  5. Season the beef mixture: Return the pan to medium heat and stir in the tomato paste. Add oregano, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in chopped pickled jalapeños and tomatoes, cooking and stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. Roll out the dough and cut rounds: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Roll one half to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 4.5-inch round cookie cutter, cut out dough circles. Repeat with the second half, rerolling scraps once to make more circles.
  7. Fill and shape empanadas: Lightly moisten the outer edges of each dough round with water. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center, then top with a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp edges together firmly using a fork to seal. Repeat with all rounds and filling.
  8. Apply egg wash and bake: Whisk an egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Place empanadas on prepared baking sheets and brush each with the egg wash to promote browning.
  9. Bake the empanadas: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through, about 25 minutes.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm with sour cream on the side.

Notes

  • For crispier empanadas, chill the dough thoroughly before rolling.
  • Cooked filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
  • Ensure to seal edges properly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the spiciness level.
  • Cheese can be substituted or omitted based on dietary preferences.

Keywords: beef empanadas, baked empanadas, ground beef pastries, Latin American appetizer, homemade empanadas

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/beef-empanadas-recipe/